What are some symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), which occurs in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, may cause:

- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

- Black, tarry stools

- Abdominal pain

- Nausea

- Bloating

- Heartburn

- Difficulty swallowing

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB), which occurs in the colon or rectum, may cause:

- Red or maroon-colored stools

- Loose stools or diarrhea

- Abdominal pain

- Nausea

- Bloating

- Urgency to have a bowel movement

- Tenesmus (feeling of incomplete bowel movement)